Raising women: Movies for girls (and teens)

People imitate what they see. That is my guiding principle when choosing movies for children and teens (and adults, too, truth be told). So I don’t show them what I don’t want them to imitate, and I try to go out of my way to find stories they should imitate.

I don’t want my daughters to imitate high-drama teen romances. I don’t want them to imitate girls who use their bodies to get what they want. And I don’t want them to imitate those who reduce womanhood to an imitation of male action heroes or cutthroat competitors.

I do want them to imitate the virtues of femininity that St. John Paul II calls “feminine genius.”

A couple of notes on this list:

Why is your favorite missing? These are movies I (or my wife or daughters) have watched. If Hoopeses haven’t watched it, it isn’t here. If these categories are helpful, add your own favorites in the comments or on your own.

What ages? There are some movies here for young girls; others are for older teens. Always preview movies, double-check yourself with the IMDb parents reviews and/or KidsInMind.com — and use your discretion.

Photo: Public Domain

First: We want girls to be realistically fearless (and/or encouraging).

Girls need to learn they can grapple with the world and accomplish their goals in life. But they don’t need the endless stream of movies that show girls effortlessly triumphing alone like superheroes. So here I share movies about women triumphing through their own strength, with help from others; notably God.

Cinderella (2015)

Finding Dory (2016)

The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima (1952)

The Mighty Macs (2009)

Nim’s Island (2008) (The girl is “superhero-ish” but Jodie Foster’s character is not.)

Gravity (2013)

The Song of Bernadette (1943)

The Incredibles (2004)

Chicken Run (2004) (A great, great girl movie!)

Beach Blanket Bingo (1965) (I haven’t seen it, but it was vigorously promoted for this list by Facebook friends, so here it is.)

Soul Surfer (2011)

Joan of Arc (1948)

Sophie Scholl: The Final Days (2005)

The Village (2004)

Photo: Disney

Second: Girls should show “emotional virtue.”

This is the term Sarah Swafford coined for the drama-free living we want from girls. We don’t want relationships, outward appearance, and others’ opinions to dominate our girls’ hearts and minds.

Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale and American canine performer, Terry as Toto, promote the April 18, 1971, NBC television broadcast of the 1939 MGM film “The Wizard of Oz.” Photo: Public Domain

Third: We want girls who know how to bring the best out of others.

St. John Paul II praises the feminine genius for recognizing the gifts of others and arranging things such that everyone feels included and respected.

Charlotte’s Web (1973)

The Blind Side (2009)

Beauty and the Beast (1991)

The Secret Garden (1987) (The 1993 version of this classic novel is better, until it substitutes witchcraft for the novel’s Christian hymn near the end.)

Heidi (1937) (Yes, this is the cheesy Shirley Temple version. … There is a reason she was so well loved.)

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Babette’s Feast (1987)

Christopher Plummer and Julie Andrews on location in Salzburg, Austria, during the filming of “The Sound of Music,” 1964.

Fourth: We want girls who respect the virtues of motherhood.

Too often, the virtues of motherhood are forgotten or belittled in movies. That is a shame.

The Sound of Music (1965)

The Emperor’s New Groove (2000) One of the best Disney families; great in-command at-home mom.)

Mary Poppins (1964)

Little House on the Prairie (television series; 1974–1983)

One True Thing (1998) (But skip the last 30 seconds, which ruin it! As soon as they walk toward the grave, turn it off!)

Ernest Borgnine and Betsy Blair in “Marty.” Photo: Public Domain

Fifth: We want girls who know what true romance looks like.

Return to Me (2000)

In This House of Brede (1975)

Marty (1955)

The Singing Nun (1966) (The songs in this movie are extremely dated, but it fascinatingly brings up some very contemporary issues in helpful ways as conversation starters.)

Yours, Mine and Ours (1968)

Father of the Bride (1991)

Emma (1996)

Peggy Ann Garner and Ted Donaldson from the 1945 film “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.” Photo: Public Domain

Sixth: We want our girls to be women of valor.

In Proverbs 31, Scripture paints a picture of a great woman. She has “valor” which is a word the text uses to denote her strength, which is greater than simply physical or emotional strength; it is intellectual and virtuous. Show girls women who find their worth in the life of their mind and soul.

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Reading 1 Heb 5:1-10 Brothers and sisters:Every high priest is taken from among menand made their representative before God,to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.He is able to deal patiently with the ignorant and erring,for he himself is beset by weaknessand so, for this reason, must make sin offerings for himselfas well as for the […]

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